My Dr recently put me on phentermine. He explained to me that it will work for about 6 months, then I should take 6 months off, 6 month on, etc. He said it's very common to gain weight during the time I'm not taking the drug.
I'd like to avoid this weight gain. So, I developed a plan and I'd like to see what other low-calorie dieters think of my plan.

Months 1-4
-Eat 800-1000 calories a day, 6 days a week. Moderate exercise on most days (walk, jog, bike).
-On the 7th day, "overload" (2,500-3,000 calories) to keep my metabolism guessing. Vigorous workout.

Months 5-6
Gradually work my way up to what my normal eating habits (1400-1500 calories a day) would be for the 6 months I'm not on phentermine. I'll do this by increasing my intake to 1400-1500 calories 1 day a week, for 7 weeks.
-Week 1, 800 calories for 6 days and 1400 calories for 1 day.
-Week 2, 800 calories for 5 days and 1400 calories for 2 days.
-Week 3, 800 calories for 4 days, 1400 for 3 days, and so on.
-Vigorous exercise on the days I'll be eating 1400 calories a day. Moderate exercise on most low-calorie days.

Is this too much effort? Should I instead use phentermine as what it's intended for and maintain a level, low-calorie diet?

I think its very unhealthy. Eating less than 1200 calories a day means your body is not getting adequate nutrition. There are no magic pills, even those prescribed by a doctor.

Thanks, but that wasn't my question. If my Dr says something is safe for me, I'm going to go with that advice instead of the advice from a stranger on a forum. I'm seeking feedback from other low-calorie dieters in similar situations.

I'm taking most of my day's nutrition requirements in pill form. The foods I do eat are very selective - "super" foods. I'm very careful to not waste a calorie if it doesn't benefit my health and nutrition to the max.

There are a lot of people on this forum that have found success with "calorie-cycling." I think most successful calorie-counters tend to cycle highs and lows even if unintentionally. That said, if you are under a doctor's supervision with the phentermine, I think it would be best to follow his/her advice in terms of how many calories you are eating each day, as well as how much exercise you should be doing. If you stick to 1400-1500 while off the phentermine, I doubt you will gain weight. I think the bigger problem is that when someone stops taking the phentermine, they start eating as they did before and their caloric intake goes up way beyond that amount.

What does your doctor think of your idea?

Phentermine is an appetite suppressant. People tend to gain weight when they quit taking prescription diet pills not because of their metabolism, but because the chemicals that made them not want to eat are no longer there. When the crutch is removed, you are on your own. Most overweight people got that way from overeating/eating unhealthy, and taking a pill for a few months doesn't change the tendency to those habits.

I'm not against prescription weight loss. I had success with it myself years ago. But here I am overweight again.

It IS possible to damage your metabolism while taking phentermine or even just dieting. If you eat extremely low calories for months, it will take some time when you begin eating normally again for your body's furnace to heat back up. It is not irreparable, but if that's the outcome....why bother to begin with?

When I used phentermine I was put on a 1200 calorie a day diet. It was a struggle to eat that much most days, and there were days I didn't make it that high. I didn't gain it back because I continued my healthy regimen and phentermine just screwed me up.....I gained it back for the same reason I always have - I know PCOS insulin resistance and hormonal imbalance are my enemy, but I like to (and obviously do) eat foods that compound my problems. I have an emotional attachment to junk/comfort foods. I don't like veggies. I could go on and on. All of it is within my control and not the fault of a pill.

Your doc probably already gave you a diet to follow, there is no reason to make it more complicated than it has to be. That will only make it more difficult to stick to, especially when the phen is gone. I would just keep to the intended use and doc's advice.

yup

if you can stick to that diet your sure to get results. just be VERY careful exercising on such a low calorie intake, you may black out and bonk your head.

I agree with Suzanne...ask your doctor. Especially since you don't want to take advice from a stranger on a forum.

That said, I will say I took Phentermine at my doctor's suggestion. I wish I never had. I lost at first, then the weight loss stopped. Of course I quit taking the expensive pills, but then it was nearly impossible to keep it off. Its been a while of very carefully working to correct metabolic problems that helped me to lose 40 pounds. This time, I feel sure I can keep it off.

do you have to see a weight specialist doctor to get this or a regular MD?

If your doctor prescribed it and you feel confident taking your doctor's advice, I'd bring your plan up with your doc and see what he/she says. After all, every page here has the disclaimer "Posts by members, moderators and admins are not considered medical advice and no guarantee is made against accuracy."

Your doctor is the one to ask.

I think it's an unsustainable and potentially unhealthy plan, but as you point out, I am an internet stranger and not a doctor. Seek a pro's advice on this one and good luck with your weight loss.

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